Brush aside any thoughts that massage is only a feel-good way to indulge or pamper yourself. To the contrary, massage can be a powerful tool to help you take charge of your health and well-being, whether you have a specific health condition or are just looking for another stress reliever. Some people like to get a massage because it often produces feelings of caring, comfort and connection, while for others it is helpful for those who suffer from:
-Anxiety
-Digestive orders
-Fibromyalgia
-headaches
-Temporomandibular joint pain
-increase range of motion
-lower blood pressure
-ease depression
reduce inflammatiion
-insomnia related to stress
-Myofacial pain syndrome
-soft tissue strains/injury
-sports injuries
-improve cardiovascular health
The physical manipulation in massage has two major physical effects: Increase in blood and lymph circulation. Relaxation and normalization of the soft tissue (muscle, connective tissue, tendons, ligaments), which releases nerves and deeper connective tissues.
It is always a great idea to get a massage of any kind, whether it is just more relaxation or therapeutic at least once a month to keep your body regulated. People heavily involved in sports should have a massage as often as two to three times per week during periods of intense training and less often—perhaps once or twice a month—during the off-season. Massages help athletes reach peak physical fitness while giving some protection from injury.